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In May 2009 I will be cycling approx 420 km across Zambia for Transaid as long as I can raise £2700 by 26th February 2009. This is a very good challenge for me as I've never attempted such a cycle ride in such different conditions. I'm always up for a challenge & helping other people that are less fortunate than myself & look forward to this challenge. The longest cycle ride I have done for charity is Birmingham to London in 2005 & 2008 approx 140 miles. I have also successfully completed the London to Brighton charity cycle ride & two 5 km runs for Help the hospices

About Transaid

In the UK, it’s hard for us to imagine living for a week without cars, trains buses or even a bicycle. Daily tasks such as getting to work, getting the kids to school or doing the weekly shop would be extremely time consuming, difficult and virtually impossible. This is the reality for thousands of people every day in rural Africa. Often, when transport is available it is costly, inefficient or unsafe, which wastes money, time and in the worse scenario – lives.

Transaid is an international development charity that seeks to reduce poverty and improve life quality through providing better access to essential basic services such as health, education and economic opportunities in Africa and the developing world. By working with the UK transport and logistics industry Transaid builds local transport management skills and knowledge to find solutions, making transport cheaper, safer and more effective.

Please visit www.transaid.org for more information

About Zambia

Landlocked in Southern Africa, Zambia is fed and shaped by its rivers, lakes and of course, its waterfalls, the most famous of which is the Victoria Falls, the largest falls in the world. Massive lakes, rich wetlands and breathtaking African sunsets all contribute to the country's scenic splendour. Zambia offers a taste of its diverse tribal and cultural heritage through its craftwork, music, dance and traditional ceremonies. This challenge takes place in South-Eastern Zambia finishing at the magnificent Victoria Falls.

The Challenge Over 5 Days

Day 1

We start the challenge as we set off towards Mazabuka, Zambia’s sweetest town & home to the country’s sugar plantations. The terrain is a mix of tar roads & good dirt roads and we cycle past local villages, Baobab trees and plenty of sugar plantations. Approx. 73 km

Day 2

Today we continue south towards Monze. This is a challenging but fantastic day. The roads vary from good dirt roads to slightly sandy making it challenging cycling. However, this does take us through real rural Africa! There are many winding tracks through countless villages where we meet the friendly Zambian people. Approx. 94 km

Day 3

Our destination today is the market town of Choma. Today is all on road to give us a rest from the dirt tracks but the distance means that we can’t relax just yet! We reach Choma where we overnight in small chalets. Antelope are often spotted nearby. Approx. 105 km

Day 4

Another challenging day as we tackle 70kms of off-road. The dirt roads are generally in good condition with just a few small sandy sections. We pass countless small villages, seeing rural Africa at its best, as yet untouched by tourism. Approx. 78 km

Day 5

The final stretch today as we tackle the 69 kms to Livingstone, our ultimate destination. We cycle straight through the town and end our challenge at the Victoria Falls. Here we will have lunch and end the challenge with a bungee jump, bridge swing or flying fox! (not included). Later in the evening there will be a special meal held in an African style restaurant in Livingstone. Approx. 69 km

Highlights

Cycle in breathtaking scenery
Passing through rural Zambian villages
Meeting the “friendliest people in Africa”
Finishing at the world famous mighty Victoria Falls

Please dig deep into your pockets & donate to a very good cause!

Thanking you in advance

Harjot

P.S.  There is an article about my Zambia challenge in the Jan 2009 edition of Luton at Large so please visit this site http://viewer.zmags.co.uk/publication/cd11872e#/cd11872e/1 & turn to page 5.